As the rain ceased and sunlight pierced through the clouds, signaling the end of the trial, reality's bitterness settled upon them. The portal opened, beckoning the candidates to depart. Amidst their gloom, Ferid addressed them.

"The phase II and entrance exam have concluded. I shall now announce the results based on my personal evaluation," Ferid declared, prompting murmurs among the candidates.

"What more is there to announce?"

"We're aware. It seems like a complete failure."

"Perhaps a miracle could happen."

"Quiet, please," Ferid commanded as the candidates exchanged words.

"I haven't finished speaking. Save your discussions for later," Ferid asserted, silencing the room.

Prior to revealing the results, I'd like to inquire, how many of you perceive tests as tools for learning?

"Sounds like something a teacher would say," remarked one candidate.

"Yeah, we're students. Tests feel more like a burden," added Dan.

"As expected," Ferid smiled, "So, what have you learned from this exam?" Murmurs resumed. Ferid patiently waited for their response before continuing.
"Being adept learners is our primary aim. I've painted a picturesque forest in your minds, but to your surprise, it wasn't as beautiful as anticipated. Isn't this reminiscent of real life?" He paused, scanning their attentive faces.

"Life often doesn't align with your expectations. But you've managed to adapt and persevere, just as you've demonstrated here. Therefore, I commend you with a high score," Ferid stated.

"Does that mean we've all passed?" someone exclaimed eagerly.

"No, my assessment isn't solely based on that. I prioritize teamwork. Only six candidates have passed as they collaborated effectively," Ferid clarified.

"But there was only one gem. How could we work together?" a candidate interjected.

"Did I ever instruct you to turn against one another? I simply tasked you with finding the gem. It was a straightforward assignment, yet you chose to make it challenging for yourselves," Ferid remarked, and none dared to dispute his words.
"Allow me to announce the names of the successful candidates. Ayumi Avens. Alice Kudo. Daniel Kuso. Takato Matsuki. Charles Drew and Risa Naoki. Congratulations on passing the exam. But remember the true challenge begins now," Ferid concluded.

"What's going on?" Levin furrowed his brows, perplexed. He had cooperated with others. Why wasn't his name mentioned among the successful candidates?

"Let's conclude for today. The six of you, return tomorrow at 4 pm. Kakashi Sensei will guide you further," Ferid announced, then turned to Levin. "Come with me, boy."

"Why?" Levin's tone was cold.

"There's unfinished business for you," Ferid replied.

As the other candidates departed, only the two of them remained.

"What kind of business?" Levin inquired sharply.

"Wait. If the gem was so precious..."

"No need to worry, boy. Everything will be fine," Ferid smirked.

"Who said I'm worried?" Levin's voice exuded confidence.

"Then just come along." Levin reluctantly followed Ferid.

Levin's mind echoed with haunting memories. "I shouldn't be alive," he groaned, haunted by the weight of his actions. "I've already taken so many lives. I deserve punishment. End me."

As the tormenting flashback seized him, a masked figure stood before him, resolute. "Stop blaming yourself," the figure insisted, determination lacing the words. "Your life holds value. If you believe it's meaningless, then take action to make it meaningful."
There was a subtle shift as the figure turned to face Levin. Beneath the concealment of the mask, an implied comforting smile offered solace amidst Levin's despair.

"Add meaning," Levin echoed, his gaze fixed upon the expanse of the vast blue sky. "But how?"

The other boy offered advice, "I suggest joining the Aurora Sentinels. There, you can channel your abilities constructively. Move forward and leave the past behind."

As the flashback receded, Levin pondered the boy's words, contemplating a path toward redemption. "I wish I could meet him again. There are so many questions lingering in my mind," Levin pondered. It had been a year since their first encounter. Who was the person behind that mysterious mask? Levin was eager to find out.

They halted in front of a room. Ferid knocked and entered, with Levin following close behind.
Levin couldn't shake off his unease at the sight of the person seated in the chair.

"Levin Fernandes, is that your name?" The person in the chair inquired, a smirk playing on their lips.

Levin simply nodded, maintaining his indifference. Ferid intervened, "He's Albert Blake, the CEO. Show some respect."

"Well, it's fortunate for you that we know how to mend the shattered gem," Albert Blake remarked.

""Excuse me, then," Levin replied, starting to turn away.

"That's not why I called for you," Albert interjected.

Levin pivoted back, curious. "Then?"

"This cloak isn't sufficient to hide your identity, Levin. Or should I say, the Tsunami Causer," Albert stated ironically.

Levin was taken aback by his words. A colossal tsunami had struck Japan a year ago, not a natural disaster, but caused by Levin behind the scenes. Moments passed in silence before Albert finally broke it.

"Why are you here?" Albert inquired.

"To take the exam," Levin replied confidently.

"Why do you seek to join the organization?"

"I aim to employ my abilities constructively. That's all," Levin replied.

"It's amusing to hear that from you. Have you forgotten the extent of destruction you caused?" Albert teased.

"Yes, I have. It's a necessary step to move forward," Levin stated.

Albert smirked. "I don't trust you."

"That's fine," Levin muttered, secretly thinking, 'Who cares?'

"I can give you a chance, however. If I find you doing something bad, I'd fire you at once," Albert warned.

"Really?" Levin questioned.

"Yes." A smile appeared on Levin's face.

"Join us tomorrow at 4 pm. You can go now," Albert instructed, and Levin exited the room.

Ferid gave Albert a puzzled look.

"I found the boy interesting. That's why," Albert smirked.

"What about Advin?" Ferid changed the subject.

The smile vanished from Albert's face. "Ask Shinya to meet me at once."

"Okay," Ferid acknowledged and hurried out of the room, leaving Albert deep in thought, his gaze fixed on the door long after Ferid's departure.

☆☆☆

"Guys, the exam is concluded," Hayami announced as she entered the room, catching the attention of Arashi, Frau, and Shinya already present. "Seven candidates have passed the exam," she informed them.

"A 13.9% pass rate. Who were the examiners?" Frau inquired.

"Kakashi Sensei and Ferid," Hayami responded.

"Ferid!" The trio exclaimed in unison, visibly surprised.

"Why was he chosen as the examiner? He's an S-Ranker, just like us," Frau questioned with a furrowed brow.

"Albert," Arashi stated. "Ferid is undoubtedly one of his favored pawns."
They nodded in understanding. After a pause, Shinya posed a question.

"What are the candidates' names?" Arashi inquired.

"Daniel, Drew, Takato, Alice, Ayumi, Risa, and Levin."

"So, Zero failed the exam. I see," Frau smirked knowingly.

"Well, umm... He didn't actually come. I suggested he shouldn't," Hayami said, averting her gaze.

"Liar," Frau teased.

"I'm not lying. He truly didn't show up."

"Who's Zero?" Arashi asked, confused.

"The one you met today," Hayami reminded him, which left Frau and Shinya astonished. "I mean... umm... I told you about him yesterday, didn't I?" Hayami quickly amended her statement.

"Oh, that one," Arashi responded, his thoughts drifting elsewhere.

As Zac fell unconscious, Arashi decided it was time to contact one of his friends or family members. He reached for his mobile phone and unlocked the screen, revealing a photo of a handsome young boy with brown hair and striking emerald eyes. Intrigued, he checked the call log and found Darrin's name at the top. Arashi swiftly dialed his number.

"Zac? Is everything alright?" Darrin inquired.

Arashi discerned that the boy attempted to hide his identity behind a pseudonym, spectacles, and contact lenses.

"Shinya, Albert has summoned you," Sayuri entered, interrupting his thoughts. Shinya exchanged a glance with Frau.

"The fun part begins now," Frau smirked mischievously. Shinya shot him a glare and promptly left the room.

Entering Albert's room, Shinya found himself confronted by Albert, who demanded an explanation while displaying a device that continued to receive signals.

"Advin is here," Shinya replied calmly.

"He's not here. Why is the device still receiving signals?" Albert's annoyance was palpable.

"Perhaps he's somewhere nearby. The device's efficiency is only 70%. It offers only a vague idea of his location," Shinya confidently explained.

"I'm aware, but the signals are quite strong. It implies he's very close. Or there might be an issue with the device," Albert grumbled, his satisfaction hard to attain.

"There's a restaurant next to the building. Maybe he's there," Shinya suggested, reasoning aloud, silently praying for a solution. Meanwhile, the device ceased receiving signals.

"Look, he's left. He must be enjoying time with his friends," Shinya mentioned abruptly, attempting to ease the tension.

Albert remained unsatisfied but relented, stating, "Create a device with 100% accuracy."

"I'll do my utmost," Shinya assured him.

"Remember, if I find you at fault, I won't tolerate it," Albert warned sternly.

"Why would I betray your trust? You can rely on me," Shinya asserted.

"Fine. You can leave now," Albert said, leaning back in his chair.

Exiting the room, Shinya breathed a sigh of relief, the weight of the conversation lifting from his shoulders. Shinya couldn't help but reflect on that past conversation, considering the implications and potential consequences of their risky plan regarding the device.

"Well, I wonder when Advin will dare to join the organization." During a casual conversation, Shinya brought up Advin's potential entry into the organization, sparking a discussion between him and Frau.

"He better stay away," Frau retorted, furrowing his brows.Shinya nodded in agreement.

"Albert wants me to hand him the device," Shinya revealed.

"Haha, he must be waiting for Advin," Frau smirked. "I have a plan," he added mysteriously.

"A plan?" Shinya looked at him with curiosity.

"Yes. Just replace the device with a fake one. I'll attach the radar to myself, so the device continuously receives strong signals."

"If Albert finds out, he'll kill us," Shinya remarked, apprehensive.

"Everything will be okay," Frau shrugged confidently.

Shinya decided to set aside those thoughts, feeling uncertain about whether their past actions were wise.
"Hmm," Shinya sighed, returning to his room. He opened the drawer and retrieved the original device, a tablet-like gadget, tapping its screen. A map instantly appeared, revealing a blue dot indicating Advin's presence somewhere in Tokyo.
"I need to proceed with caution," he contemplated, carefully placing the device back in the drawer, leaving behind a palpable sense of unease lingering in the air.

☆☆☆